World Cup stadium opens a day after protests

A man wearing an ET mask holds a sign that reads in Portuguese "For a better world! Get out FIFA, Change the World" during a protest against the upcoming World Cup soccer tournament in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Saturday, Jan. 25, 2014. Last year, millions of people took to the streets across Brazil complaining of higher bus fares, poor public services and corruption while the country spends billions on the World Cup, which is scheduled to start in June.

Silvia Izquierdo, Associated Press

SAO PAULO — The latest stadium inaugurated for the World Cup in Brazil held its first two matches without major glitches on Sunday, a day after demonstrators across Brazil protested against the tournament.

The Arena das Dunas in the northeastern city of Natal sustained minor damage during protests. Demonstrators stayed away on Sunday and officials says the stadium passed its first test. Only minor adjustments will be needed going forward.

Work was being done until the final moments before the inaugural match, but the doubleheader between local clubs went on without problems in front of tens of thousands of fans.